Crime
Shamsud-Din Jabbar acted alone in New Orleans attack, FBI says
New Orleans, LA – Federal authorities have confirmed that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the 42-year-old suspect in the deadly New Year’s Day truck attack on Bourbon Street, likely acted alone.
In a press conference on Thursday, Deputy Assistant Christopher Raia of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division stated, “We do not assess at this point that anyone else is involved in this attack except for Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the subject you’ve already been briefed on.”
The announcement marks a significant shift from earlier statements made by Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan. Just 24 hours prior, Duncan suggested the possibility of additional suspects, saying, “We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates.”
Initially, investigators pursued leads indicating that Jabbar might have had accomplices, particularly regarding the placement of improvised explosive devices separate from the truck used in the attack. However, after thorough investigation, the FBI has found no evidence to support those claims.
“In the immediate hours following the attack, our team worked diligently to investigate all possible connections,” said Raia. “While initial leads suggested the potential involvement of others, those leads have not borne out.”
Authorities continue to examine Jabbar’s background and actions leading up to the attack. The FBI has not ruled out the possibility of discovering indirect influences or radicalizing factors, but current evidence suggests Jabbar acted as a “lone wolf.”
Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia of the FBI Counterterrorism Division officially labeled the New Orleans attack an act of terrorism during a Wednesday news conference.
“This was premeditated and an evil act,” Raia stated, emphasizing the deliberate and malicious nature of the attack.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry highlighted the extensive efforts of law enforcement, noting that over 1,000 agents and officers have reviewed surveillance footage, conducted interviews, and pursued leads since the incident.
To support ongoing efforts, Gov. Landry issued an emergency declaration to streamline resources for state, local, and federal partners involved in the investigation.
Officials are expected to address additional details of the investigation and confirm Jabbar’s motivations during a subsequent press briefing.
The New Year’s Day tragedy unfolded early Thursday morning when Jabbar allegedly drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. Initially described as a coordinated effort, the attack sent shockwaves through the city and prompted a large-scale federal investigation.
Despite the revised assessment, law enforcement officials emphasize that the investigation remains active. “We are committed to following every lead and ensuring the safety of our communities,” Raia assured.
In the meantime, the city of New Orleans continues to mourn the victims of the attack while seeking answers about how such a tragedy could occur. Officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the FBI or local law enforcement.
The confirmation of Jabbar as a lone actor highlights the challenges of countering so-called “lone wolf” attacks, which often occur without advance warning or direct communication with others. The FBI has pledged to continue its work to identify any possible triggers or influences that led to this act of violence.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.